Sheffield United Fly Into 2nd Leg But Can’t Be Complacent – Burrows Has Experience With Losing Big Lead in Play-offs
Sheffield United produced a ruthless display to thrash ten-man Bristol City 3-0 at Ashton Gate in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals, putting one foot firmly in the final with a commanding performance on the road.
Chris Wilder’s men overcame early frustration and a disallowed goal to seize control of the tie, capitalising after Rob Dickie’s red card late in the first half to run riot in a dominant second period.
The Blades thought they had the dream start just 10 minutes in. Jack Robinson launched one of his trademark long throws into the Bristol City box, causing havoc. Tyrese Campbell powered a header into the net, sparking wild celebrations in the away end only for the assistant’s flag to cut them short. Sydie Peck was deemed offside after a tangle with Jason Knight on the goal line.
United kept probing and finally got their reward on the stroke of half-time. After a flick-on from Campbell, Kieffer Moore burst clear and was brought down by Rob Dickie inside the area. Though Dickie got a touch on the ball after contact with the player, he had clearly denied a goal-scoring opportunity. The referee showed the red card, and Harrison Burrows coolly sent Max O’Leary the wrong way from the spot to make it 1-0.
After the break, the Blades were stuck in second gear so Chris Wilder made key changes, introducing Callum O’Hare, Andre Brooks, and Tom Davies for Campbell, Rhian Brewster, and Sydie Peck. This decision would prove to be a masterstroke.
Seven minutes later, Burrows whipped in a dangerous low cross. O’Hare cleverly dummied at the near post, allowing Brooks to ghost in unmarked and calmly slot home at the back stick to double the advantage.
Ten minutes later, the tie looked all but settled. From a Gustavo Hamer corner, Anel Ahmedhodzic climbed highest and nodded down into a packed area. Vinicius Souza mis-hit his effort, but the ball fell kindly to O’Hare, who instinctively flicked it into the net to make it 3-0 and send the away end into raptures once more.
